Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance

Description

Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance (ERMA) is a presidential draw-down account that provides an important safety valve during emergencies, allowing the U.S. to meet rapidly occurring and unforeseen humanitarian needs.

Use of Funds

ERMA investments provide life-sustaining assistance to refugees, including food, shelter, health care, and education. In 2021, the needs of Afghans and U.S. partners after the withdrawal of U.S. forces drove unprecedented use of ERMA funding.

Justification

• Over 1% of the world’s population is now displaced, with about two-thirds originating from countries with food crises.
• Unanticipated needs continue to arise:
  • Average household spending exceeds available income by 60% compared to 49% in 2021 in Syria.
  • In 2022, 15 million people in Yemen were considered the most vulnerable to food insecurity. Even though needs only increase, the conflict’s impact on humanitarian operations and funding cuts has prevented aid from reaching millions of people.
  • The worsening drought and impact of conflict continue in Ethiopia and exacerbate humanitarian needs for 6 million people.
  • The number of internally displaced people has increased to 1.4 million people in Myanmar, nearly a million more than last year.
  • Growing humanitarian needs in Haiti have required $715 million in aid for 2023.
  • With the impact of climate change being a major driver of need, 76% of the population will require humanitarian assistance in South Sudan in 2023.